The Pinellas County Health and Physical Education Association has announced the 2014 Outstanding Health and Physical Education Teachers.

The association annually honors health and physical education teachers who serve as positive role models; uses innovative teaching techniques; implements a balanced and sequential curriculum; demonstrates professional growth and commitment.

Jason Wood of Lakeview Fundamental Elementary, and Mark Bender of Fairmount Park Elementary, were named the Outstanding Elementary School Physical Educators.

Wood, a 21-year veteran of PCS, started a walking club for students, leads Literacy Circles at the school each week and sponsors the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart event. Bender serves as a Healthy Schools Program coordinator, is active with 5,000 Role Models, and has helped secure two $10,000 NFL Play 60 Super School grants.

George Postans of Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, and Kelly Ellis of Clearwater Intermediate School, were named the Outstanding Middle School Physical Educators. Postans, an educator for more than 30 years, is credited for boosting the physical education programs at the academy, is active in community service and dedicated to professional development. Ellis holds several leadership positions at her school, is the coordinator for her school’s Workplace Giving Campaign and led the Presidential Youth Fitness Program pilot.

Brenda Brown-Hall of Boca Ciega High School, was named the Outstanding High School Physical Educator. Brown-Hall is a 25-year veteran of Pinellas County Schools. She serves on the School Improvement Plan committee and is an active volunteer at the school and in the community. Brown-Hall also serves as the girls’ and boys’ track coach.

Linda Rouisse of New Heights Elementary, was named the Outstanding Adapted Physical Educator. Rouisse has been with Pinellas County Schools for 33 years. She is a specialist team leader, an active volunteer and has represented PCS as a speaker at the National Water Safety Congress.

Jessica Hoag of Seminole High School, and Erin Phelps of St. Petersburg High, were named Outstanding Health Educators. Hoag serves as department head, has helped develop health and physical education curriculum for PCS, and trains phys ed teachers around the state. Phelps volunteers with a number of community organizations, is a curriculum developer, and sponsors multiple clubs at St. Pete High.

Helen “Crissy” Stanney of Orange Grove Elementary, and Carol Tuorto of Starkey Elementary, were named the Outstanding Physical Education Assistants of the Year.

For their outstanding support of health and physical education programs and teachers, Mark Sprecher, head plant operator at Osceola High School will receive the Friend of Physical Education Award, and All Children’s Hospital – John Hopkins Medicine will receive the Friend of Health Education Award.